Aurelie Sheehan, the director of the creative writing program at the UA and author of two fantastically popular fiction novels, will be representing UA’s exceptional faculty at a book signing today.
Sheehan’s most recent publication, “”History Lesson for Girls,”” was awarded O, The Oprah Magazine’s Summer Fiction Pick. “”History Lesson”” chronicles the journey of 13-year-old Alison Glass, who has to move to a new town while battling scoliosis and struggling to be an adult. Alison is growing up in the tumultuous 1970s, a confusing period in which her hippie parents sometimes require her to be the parent instead. Their scenes poignantly carry the effective story about the bright side of living through distressing experiences.
“”It is the one novel that I am most proud of,”” said Sheehan. “”It took about two years to write, but it was a story that was really important to me, so I’m really glad that I was able to get it down.””
In addition to being recognized by the big O herself, Aurelie Sheehan has received nothing but praise for her other works, “”The Anxiety of Everyday Objects”” and “”Jack Kerouac is Pregnant,”” a collection of short stories. The yellow cover of “”The Anxiety of Everyday Objects”” is one that may look familiar to bookstore browsers. The Hartford Courant chose it as the Best Book of 2004 and most major booksellers keep it fully stocked at all times.
After living in many different states all around the country, including New York, Wyoming and Virginia, Sheehan settled in Tucson when she was offered a position at the UA. She is now in her seventh year of teaching fiction creative writing classes.
“”It’s a perfect opportunity for me to be able to talk to people about responses to my work, mother-daughter relations and how important friends are to young women,”” said Sheehan of the faculty book signing. “”I’m interested in hearing different perspectives on it.””
Sheehan will be signing books alongside other faculty authors, including men’s basketball head coach Lute Olson, on the main level of the UofA Bookstore in the Student Union Memorial Center today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aurelie Sheehan is currently working on a new novel and a collection of short stories that do not yet have a scheduled release date. For excerpts from her books and more information about Sheehan’s work, visit her Web site at http://www.aureliesheehan.com
